FORT MORGAN, Colo. — An inmate who was being treated at a Fort Morgan hospital has escaped, according to the Morgan County Sheriff's Office.
The inmate, later identified as Chaz Jesse Gilbert Contreras, 29, was at Colorado Plains Medical Center at the time of the escape, which happened at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The Colorado Plains Medical Center said Contreras had not been admitted as a patient and was waiting to be evaluated while in custody of a sheriff's deputy.
Contreras is described as a Hispanic man, 5-foot-3-inches tall, 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing an orange jail uniform.
Contreras was being held on current charges of second-degree burglary, vehicular eluding, possession of burglary tools, criminal mischief, theft, leaving the scene of an accident and driving under suspension.
The sheriff's office reported that Contreras was able to escape custody because of an internal failure to follow proper procedure, though it did not specify how the escape happen. There was no use of force used in the escape.
He was last seen running southbound on Grant Street.
The hospital said no staff were injured or involved in the man's escape and that a soft lockdown was put in place, with all facility doors locked and a security officer placed on the perimeter. Staff, patients and visitors were escorted to and from their vehicles, the hospital said.
If seen, call 911 or Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Do not make contact with the inmate.
The sheriff's office says anyone in the area should secure their homes and watch for suspicious activity.
No further information was provided.
This story is developing and will be updated.
